Wondering how PRSI benefits can work for you in 2024? Whether you’re looking to learn about pensions, unemployment benefits, or health-related payments, we’ll break down everything you need to know in a simple, straightforward way.
In this blog post we will cover:
- What does PRSI cover?
- Who can claim PRSI benefits?
- How to check if you’re eligible for PRSI benefits?
- How much PRSI do part-time workers pay?
- What are the most common PRSI benefits claimed?
- What’s included in the PRSI dental benefits
- What’s included in the PRSI optical benefits
- What’s included in the PRSI hearing benefits
- How can Irish Tax Rebates help you with your tax?
What does PRSI cover?
PRSI helps fund a range of social welfare benefits and services.
This includes:
- Pensions
- Unemployment benefits
- Health-related payments (for example, illness benefit or maternity leave)
PRSI also supports benefits like carer’s allowance, widow’s pensions, and more. It’s there to support you through life’s major changes – whether that’s starting a family, dealing with an illness, or retiring.
Who can claim PRSI benefits?
Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or running your own business, as long as you’re contributing, you may be eligible for various benefits. This includes people on maternity or paternity leave, those dealing with illness or injury, or anyone who’s recently found themselves out of work. Even carers and widows can claim certain benefits. The main thing is making sure you’ve paid enough PRSI contributions to qualify for the support you’re looking for.
How to check if you’re eligible for PRSI benefits?
Checking if you’re eligible for PRSI benefits is easy with just three simple steps.
1. Check your employment status
Are you employed, self-employed, or currently out of work? Your employment status will affect which benefits you can claim. Some benefits are only available if you’re currently employed or have recently worked.
2. Check your PRSI history
Your PRSI contributions are key to determining eligibility. You need to check how many contributions you’ve made over time. You can do this by requesting a statement from your local social welfare office.
3. Understand the benefit requirements
Each PRSI benefit has its own eligibility criteria. For example, to get illness benefit, you’ll need a note from your doctor saying you’re sick.
How much PRSI do part-time workers pay?
For part-time jobs, your PRSI contributions are based on how much you earn. Here’s the scoop: part-time workers over 16 years of age and earning over €38 in each PRSI contribution week need to pay PRSI. There are some earnings thresholds that might mean you pay less or even nothing if you’re earning below a certain amount. PRSI rates and thresholds can change, so make sure to check the latest details on the Revenue website or ask your payroll team to make sure you’re on track.
What are the most common PRSI Benefits claimed?
PRSI offers several benefits to cover different needs. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones:
Illness Benefit
This is for people who can’t work because they’re sick or injured. To qualify, you need to have a certain number of PRSI contributions and be under 66 years old. You also need a medical certificate from your doctor confirming that you’re unfit for work. The amount you get depends on your PRSI contributions and the duration of your illness. You can claim Illness Benefit for up to two years, and applying involves filling out a claim form and submitting it along with your medical certificate.
Jobseeker’s Benefit
This one’s for people who are unemployed and actively looking for work. You can claim the benefit for up to 9 months if you’re under 65. To apply, you’ll need to complete a claim form and provide proof that you’re actively seeking employment. If you’ve lost your job and are searching for a new one, Jobseeker’s Benefit will help you while your job hunting.
Maternity Benefit
If you’re taking time off to have a baby, Maternity Benefit provides income support during your leave. You will get paid €274 weekly.
State Pension (Contributory)
If you’ve been working and paying PRSI throughout your career, the State Pension of €277.30 per week will be paid into your account.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a universal payment in Ireland available to everyone with a child, regardless of income. It provides financial support for all children under 18. This monthly payment of €140 helps parents and guardians cover the costs associated with raising a child. If you have more children, the rates increase accordingly, making it a valuable benefit for families of any size.
Carer’s Benefit
If you leave your job to provide full-time care for someone, you may qualify for Carer’s Benefit. To be eligible, you must be under 66 and have sufficient PRSI contributions. If you care for one person, you’ll receive a weekly rate of €249. If you care for more than one person, the rate increases to €373.50 per week.
Occupational Injuries Benefit
This benefit is for people who get injured at work or develop an illness due to their job. Occupational Injuries Benefit can provide support for up to 6 months. The maximum rate you can receive is €232 per week.
Invalidity Pension
Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment for those who are unable to work due to a long-term illness or disability. To qualify, you need to meet both the social insurance (PRSI) criteria and the medical requirements.
Treatment Benefit
Covers costs for dental, optical, and aural services. If you need dental work, eye tests, or hearing aids, Treatment Benefit helps with those expenses. For example, if your oral treatment costs more than €42, you’ll need to cover the extra.
What’s included in the PRSI dental benefits?
The PRSI dental benefits scheme covers a range of essential dental treatments.
Here’s what you can typically get under this scheme:
- Dental examinations: You’re entitled to one full dental check-up per year, which includes a thorough examination of your teeth and gums.
- Scale and polish: This treatment, which helps keep your teeth clean and free from plaque, is also covered once a year from only €15.
- Additional treatments: Depending on your needs, you might also receive benefits for basic dental work, such as fillings or extractions, if deemed necessary.
The PRSI scheme aims to help with fundamental dental care to keep your oral health in check. It’s important to remember that only non-routine dental expenses are eligible for tax relief under this scheme.
Had unexpected dental work?
Claim 20% back on non-routine expenses like crowns or root canals.
What’s included in the PRSI optical benefits
If you’re wondering what PRSI can cover for your eye care, here’s a quick overview of the benefits available:
- Free eye examinations: You are entitled to one free eye exam per year. This exam helps check your overall eye health.
- Subsidised glasses and contact lenses: You can receive a fixed payment every two years for either one pair of reading glasses and one pair of distance glasses, one pair of bifocals or varifocals, or one pair of contact lenses (including disposables).
What’s included in the PRSI hearing benefits
Under the PRSI Treatment Benefit Scheme, you can access several helpful hearing-related services.
Here’s what you will get:
- Free or subsidised hearing tests: You can receive free hearing tests to check for any hearing issues. These tests help diagnose problems early and ensure you get the right support.
- Contributions toward hearing aids: The scheme also provides financial assistance for purchasing hearing aids, which can be a significant help if you need them. The amount of support varies, but it helps reduce the overall cost of these essential devices.
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) covers the full cost of a hearing aid up to €500 each (or €1,000 for a pair) every four years. Also, it pays up to €100 for repairs to hearing aids, also once every four years.
To qualify for these benefits, you need to meet certain PRSI contribution requirements.
What about getting my tax back for medical and dental costs?
You can claim tax relief on qualifying medical and dental expenses to get some money back.
To do this, use the following rubric:
1. Keep your medical receipts, including those for GP visits and prescriptions.
2. Med 2 from: For non-routine dental treatments, like major dental work, you’ll use the Med 2 form.
How can Irish Tax Rebates help me with my tax?
Claiming your medical and dental benefits doesn’t have to be a headache. We make it simple to claim tax relief on non-routine dental treatments and medical expenses. Whether it’s unexpected dental work or other healthcare costs, we’ve got you covered. Let us handle the paperwork so you can get the relief you deserve, hassle-free. Apply online today.
